MOGADISHU (SD) – Chinese government has agreed to modernize Somalia’s state-owned media thanks to a bilateral agreement sealed by officials from both countries.

In a ceremony held in Somali capital, Mogadishu, Somali information minister, Osman Abokar Dubbe and Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Fei Shengchao have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing China to revamp Radio Mogadishu, National Theater and Somali National News Agency (SONNA).

Dubbe said in a statement that the MoU was crucial for the two countries’ bilateral relations and paved the way for further cooperation in the future.

“This MoU is the starting point for further cooperation between Somalia and China, the pilot projects like repairing Radio Mogadishu studios, lighting and sounding system of National Theater and SONNA related issues,” he said.

On his part, Chinese ambassador Shengchao expressed his government’s commitment to help Somalia and boost the relations between the two countries.

As a gift from China’s leader Mao Zedong to Somalia in the 1960s, Chinese engineers built the National Theatre in 1967. It opened that same year and was heralded as an important driver for the country’s cultural development in the 1970s and 80s.

China and Somalia have established diplomatic relations 1960.